Blended
E-Learning provides the convenience and flexibility that many students
need in their busy schedules. It also provides the comfort of knowing
that you will see your instructor on a weekly basis and that they are
available for face-to-face meetings.

Instructors
use on-line learning tools such as discussion boards, videos, web
sites, on-line collaboration and other methods combined with
traditional, classroom-based instruction. Students are actively involved
and take direct responsibility for their learning.

As
an example to complete the requirements for an appropriate three-credit
course, students attend a class session once a week for 1.5 hours. They
are obligated to complete a minimum of additional 1.5 hours of on-line
work for a three credit course.

How Does Blended E-Learning Work?

a. Students
must take and “pass” an Online Skills Assessment. If a student doesn’t
pass, they can take a basic computer skills class if they want to
enroll in an online class.

b. Students must attend the E-Learning Orientation. This class usually runs approximately one week before the semester starts.

c. Students
will attend approximately 90 minutes of in-class learning per week per
class. The balance of the class will be fulfilled via online
activities.

d. Blended
E-Learning classes run on the same schedule as the regular semester.
Blended E-Learning classes begin the first week of class and end during
finals week.

What is Moodlerooms

Moodlerooms is an online learning management system that students will
use as they navigate through their Blended E-Learning class. Class
information, such as syllabus, files, assignments, grade books, and
discussion boards are part of the learning management system.

Who should take Blended E-Learning Classes?

Students who tend to be successful in e-learning classes demonstrate a majority of the following characteristics:

Good computer skills

College-level reading and writing skills

Self-disciplined

Self-motivated

Excellent time management

Independent

Flexible

Enjoy new challenges

Has access to a computer with high-speed internet at home

It
is important to realize that Blended E-Learning courses are NOT easier
than classes that are taught exclusively in a traditional classroom.

Registration

You will register for a Blended E-Learning class the same way you register for an on-campus class, using the student portal.

Blended E-Learning classes are designated as Section E.

All pre-requisites for classes still apply.

You must complete the Assessment of Computer Skills and the Orientation for Blended E-Learning to finalize your registration.

Students who are on Academic Probation are not eligible to take Blended E-Learning classes.

Attendance

Pennsylvania
Institute of Technology is an attendance-taking institution, and this
also includes the Blended E-Classes. Attendance for non-class days is
measured in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, submitting
assignments on time and participating in online discussions.

You may jeopardize your financial aid and enrollment status at P.I.T. if you do not attend class regularly.

Computer & Internet Access

Students
enrolled in a Blended E-Learning class are solely responsible for their
ability to access the internet via computer, tablet, or other device.

P.I.T.
provides free Wi-Fi on campus to enrolled students. P.I.T. also offers
computer access in the P.I.T. Library and in the Innovation Center at the Media campus.

Please check for the hours of the library and the Innovation Center. Hours are limited during holidays and breaks.

Email

Every
student at P.I.T. is issued an email account. Your login for your
email is the same as the login for Open Classroom, the learning
management system used for Blended E-Learning classes.

Exams and Quizzes

To
validate the integrity of the testing process, students will be take
the majority of their assessments during the in-class portion of their
e-class.

Accountability

Blended E-Learning requires that you as a student will:

Check your P.I.T. email daily

Use a significant number of online resources

Exercise excellent communication with the instructor, keeping him or her informed of any challenges you face

Ask for help when you face a challenge

Be wholly responsible for accessing the learning management system via the internet

Be responsible for submitting work on time

Is Blended E-Learning Effective?

In
a variety of studies completed in the USA and internationally, students
scored significantly better when enrolled in Blended E-Learning
classes. These studies have demonstrated that students have the
opportunity to re-watch lectures, can move at their own pace, work at
the time best for their learning, and engage in online discussions with
their peers in their classes.